What is the main difference between Acapulco Gold and Durban Poison?

Acapulco Gold is a Sativa strain (20% Indica / 80% Sativa) with THC levels of 19–24%, while Durban Poison is a Sativa strain (0% Indica / 100% Sativa) with THC levels of 22–26%.

Which strain has higher THC — Acapulco Gold or Durban Poison?

Durban Poison has higher THC at 22–26%, compared to Acapulco Gold at 19–24%.

Is Acapulco Gold or Durban Poison easier to grow?

Acapulco Gold has moderate growing difficulty with a 9-10-week flowering period, while Durban Poison has moderate difficulty with a 8-9-week flowering period.

What effects does Acapulco Gold have compared to Durban Poison?

Acapulco Gold produces focused, energetic, creative, aroused, euphoric effects, ideal for morning use. Durban Poison produces focused, energetic, uplifting, creative, euphoric effects, best for morning use.

What terpenes are in Acapulco Gold and Durban Poison?

Acapulco Gold features Caryophyllene, giving it citrus, coffee, creamy flavors. Durban Poison features Terpinolene, with citrus, herbal, pine flavors.

Which medical conditions can Acapulco Gold and Durban Poison help with?

Acapulco Gold may help with arthritis, chronic pain, depression, fatigue, migraines, nausea, ptsd, stress, anxiety. Durban Poison may help with add/adhd, anxiety, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, depression, fatigue, headaches, migraines, nausea, stress. Consult a healthcare professional before using cannabis for medical purposes.

Strain Encyclopedia

Acapulco Gold

Sativa — THC 24%

Durban Poison

Sativa — THC 26%

Potency, effects, terpenes, flavors, growing difficulty, and medical uses — compared side by side.

Home/Strain Comparisons/Acapulco Gold vs Durban Poison

Quick Verdict

Who wins in each category?

⚡

Potency

Durban Poison

🏥

Medical

Durban Poison

🌱

Growing

Tie

🍋

Flavor

Acapulco Gold

Strain Profile Comparison

Six-axis profile overlay — see where each strain excels

Acapulco Gold

Durban Poison

Effect Matchup

Side-by-side effect intensity — bars show relative prominence

Acapulco Gold

Effect

Durban Poison

100%

Focused

100%

88%

Energetic

88%

77%

Creative

68%

46%

Uplifting

77%

60%

Euphoric

60%

53%

Happy

46%

68%

Aroused

41%

Cerebral

36%

Alert

Focus

53%

6 shared effects highlighted

Acapulco Gold — Potency

THC0%

CBD0%

Potency LevelStrong

Durban Poison — Potency

THC0%

CBD0%

Potency LevelStrong

Mexican LandraceAcapulco Gold

Indica 20%Sativa 80%

South African LandraceDurban Poison

Indica 0%Sativa 100%

Side-by-Side Specs

Green highlight indicates the superior value

Acapulco Gold

Profile Comparison

Shared (6)

FocusedEnergeticCreativeEuphoricHappyUplifting

Only Acapulco Gold (3)

ArousedCerebralAlert

Only Durban Poison (1)

Focus

Possible Side Effects

Shared

Dry eyesDry mouth

Only Acapulco Gold

Headache

Only Durban Poison

Anxious

Growing Guide Comparison

Acapulco Gold

DifficultyModerate

Flowering9-10 weeks

HarvestMid

Indoor Yield500g/m² (1.6oz/ft²)

Outdoor YieldMedium

Indoor Height110cm (43in)

Outdoor Height200cm (79in)

Plant StructureBushy

PhotoperiodPhotoperiod

Growing MethodIndoor, Outdoor

Durban Poison

DifficultyModerate

Flowering8-9 weeks

HarvestOctober Yield

Indoor YieldMedium

Outdoor YieldMedium

Indoor HeightMedium

Outdoor Height200–300cm (79–118in)

Plant StructureTall and Stretchy

PhotoperiodPhotoperiod

Growing MethodIndoor, Outdoor

About These Strains

Acapulco Gold

Sativa 20/80 — THC 19–24%

This famous sativa-dominant hybrid, which has an 80:20 sativa/indica ratio, combines a powerful head high with a soothing body high that last for at least two hours. Acapulco Gold originated in Acapulco, Mexico, but no one seems to remember who first grew it or what parent strains were used.

Acapulco Gold is pretty hard to find because it's difficult to grow indoors, but it's popular throughout the United States, especially in warmer climes.

Durban Poison

Sativa 0/100 — THC 22–26% — CBD 1–1%

Expect a major blow to the head from this super-potent strain. A pure sativa, Durban Poison is the beloved inbred descendant of a sativa strain grown in South Africa.

Ed Rosenthal, an American cannabis activist, discovered the original strain and brought in back to the United States in the 1970s.

Which One Is Right for You?

Acapulco Gold and Durban Poison are both excellent strains with distinct characteristics. Acapulco Gold is a Sativa with 19–24% THC, while Durban Poison is a Sativa with 22–26% THC. Your choice depends on your preference for effects, growing difficulty, and intended use.

Choose Acapulco Gold

Acapulco Gold is a solid sativa with focused, energetic, creative effects.

Choose Durban Poison

Choose Durban Poison if you want higher THC potency. Expect a major blow to the head from this super-potent strain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Acapulco Gold vs Durban Poison

Medical Disclaimer

The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Cannabis affects everyone differently. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using cannabis for any medical condition. Effects, potency, and medical benefits may vary. Do not use cannabis if pregnant, nursing, or under the legal age in your jurisdiction.

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